Why Do I Pull Iron Shots?

"Why do I pull iron shots" is a question I often get asked by amateur golfers, and the answer is usually quite simple. Pulling your irons shots means that the ball travels left of target (for a right-hander) and stays left throughout its flight.

An important distinction from a hook shot is that a pull travels straight, rather than curving away to the left, usually caused by an out-to-in swing path. When your arms swing the club across the target line, this can often be the result, so how can you prevent it?

In this video and article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Katie Dawkins shares some helpful tips on how to stop pulling your irons shots and improve your ball-striking...

Why Do I Pull irons Shots?

A pull can be caused by a number of faults. Firstly, the ball position is perhaps too far forward, which caused the angle of your shoulders to open. When you swing along the line created by an incorrect ball position, the club face is often closed at address. The start line of the golf ball in flight is dictated by the clubface, so this is the first aspect that needs to be fixed.

Pulling the golf ball can also be a sign that your body isn't working effectively, with the arms throwing the club over the top of the target line. So, break it down. Hit some half shots where you are rotating your body through impact and transferring your weight towards the target in the through swing.

Thinking of the golf swing as two turns (one back, one through) is a great thought to give good rhythm and encourage the bigger muscles to drive the swing.

A simple and very effective way to do this is to focus on your finish position. Concentrate on swinging through to a full finish position and hold it (as if someone is taking a photo of you). Without becoming too technical, you should be able to develop better weight distribution and more effective rotation.

A great range drill utilises your driver headcover. Place it down on the outside of the target line about a club head away from the ball. The simple aim is to hit the ball without making contact with the headcover. The best part about this is you get immediate feedback, if your angle of attack is from outside the target, you’ll hit it.

If you are struggling with your rotation in the swing, you could also consider some fitness and mobility sessions. Improving lower body strength and flexibility will help your swing as it's initiated from the ground up.